State Seeks Death Penalty In Fatal Heist

DAYTONA BEACH — Gary Robinson was bleeding from a gunshot wound to the chest, but the 19-year-old Taco Bell worker remained cool as he told the 911 dispatcher what had happened.

''We've been robbed. We've all been shot. We need an ambulance right away,'' Robinson said.

Robinson's call was recorded on a tape released Tuesday, three days after he and three other teen-age employees were wounded during a robbery as they worked the closing shift at the Beville Road restaurant. One of them, 17-year-old Michelle Van Ness, later died.

Three suspects jailed in the crimes were formally charged Tuesday with first-degree murder in her death. Prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty against Anthony Farina, 18, his brother Jeff Farina, 16, and John C. Henderson, 23. The three, who are being held without bail, also face attempted murder and armed robbery charges.

The 911 tape showed that Robinson calmly answered each of the dispatcher's questions, interrupting his report only once.

''I don't know how much I can talk. I was shot like in the - in the heart side,'' he said.

A few seconds later, he told the dispatcher one of the victims ''looks like she's dead.''

''Oh my God, oh my God,'' said the dispatcher.

Van Ness died Sunday from a gunshot wound to the head. Robinson and Kimberly Gordon, 18,who was stabbed in the upper back, were listed in serious condition Tuesday at Halifax Medical Center. Derek Mason, 16, who was shot in the face, checked out of the hospital Monday.

Police say the Farina brothers entered the business armed with a gun and a knife early Saturday while the four teen-age employees were closing up.

The brothers allegedly tied the victims' hands behind their backs and put them in the cooler. Jeff Farina then shot Robinson, Van Ness and Mason, police say.

Jeff Farina allegedly tried to shoot Gordon, but the gun misfired and he used a knife his brother handed him to stab Gordon.

Henderson allegedly drove the getaway car for the three, who had $860 from the business when they were arrested.

In a tape-recorded statement, Jeff Farina admitted committing the crime and said the victims were shot and stabbed ''to eliminate them as witnesses.''

On Tuesday, a friend of the Farinas said their mother, Sue Brant, had become disgusted with her younger son, who had acted erratically over the last month.

''Sue says that, 'This is not the son I raised,' '' Cheryl LaBate said.

LaBate said Brant confronted Jeff Farina after he bought a handgun on the street for $50. She had told her son, ''All guns were good for is getting rid of people.''

When Brant asked her son why he needed the gun, he said, ''I just do.'' LaBate also said Anthony Farina told his mom nobody was supposed to get hurt in the robbery.

In related developments:

- Circuit Judge Joseph Will approved the state's motion to transfer Jeff Farina to adult court. Assistant State Attorney David Damore is expected to seek grand jury indictments against the three suspects next Tuesday.

- Mike Shumsky, southeast zone vice president for Taco Bell, said more than 30 people - including employees and friends of the victims - attended a counseling session Tuesday. Another session is scheduled today. The restaurant will be closed at least until Monday.